Learn about your credit score and what you need to know
Credit score ranges between 300 and 850.
A credit score aims to take all of the relevant information in your credit report and condense it into just a 3-digit number. At Upstart, our AI model looks at more than your credit score by factoring non-traditional variables, such as education¹ and employment, because credit scores don’t do a perfect job of predicting credit risk in all situations.
But the reality is that credit scores are widely used by traditional institutions as an easy way to assess creditworthiness. A credit score is rated on a scale ranging from 300 to 850 and can impact almost every aspect of your life—from a given interest rate on a loan to being selected for that apartment you’ve been looking at. So, it’s important to understand your score, the contributing factors, and ways to optimize.
Excellent credit tells lenders that you have a very low probability of defaulting on a loan obligation. Credit scores of 800 or above are generally considered to be exceptional, and an 850 credit score is considered to be “perfect” credit.
Scores in this range are well above the average of U.S. consumers. Scores in this range mean that you generally pay your bills on time and have a history of responsible credit usage. A 760 credit score is often the threshold to qualify for the best mortgage rates, and scores of 740 or higher can typically gain approval for most credit card offers.
The average American has a 714 FICO Score, and this range is typically considered to be average credit. Borrowers in this category might have a few late payments or high credit card balances, but generally have a good track record of paying their debts. A 720 credit score is a popular cutoff for auto lenders to give their best interest rates.
Credit scores in this range are below average, and consumers with these scores typically have some negative information on their reports. However, many lenders will approve borrowers in this range. A 620 credit score will qualify borrowers for a conventional mortgage, and a 580 score is the cutoff for a low-down-payment FHA loan.
Borrowers in the poor credit realm typically have more negative information than positive on their credit reports, such as charge-offs, collection accounts, and judgements. Consumers with a 500 credit score may be able to qualify for some mortgage and auto loans, but it can be tough to borrow money at a reasonable interest rate.
This content is general in nature and is provided for informational purposes only. Upstart is not a financial advisor and does not offer financial planning services. This content may contain references to products and services offered through Upstart’s credit marketplace.
1. Neither Upstart nor its bank partners have a minimum educational attainment requirement in order to be eligible for a loan.